Too Long Since...

Oh my, has it really been 8 months since I've written on this blog. I guess that is what happens when a new little one is added to our family. Carsten Michael was born August 26! I'll add pictures here soon!

I'm going to be facilitating a class for 2nd time mommies tomorrow and so have been preparing for our time and back into reading about birth and looking at websites.

Here are some good websites I found that explain Optimal Fetal Positioning! Check them out! Which ones do you like best?

www.birth-angels.com/fetal.html
www.spinningbabies.com
www.bellybelly.com.au/articles/pregnancy/optimal-fetal-positioning
www.betterbirthpartners.com/optimalfetalpostioning.html

Blessings!

Waiting...still waiting...

I'm still waiting for this baby to be born. I usually go 3-5 days past my "due date." Now I'm on day 8 past due date. I realize that babies can be born at 42 weeks, and some beyond that...but it is so hard waiting! I've been reading a lot from my past Midwifery Today journals and looking at Midwife websites and blogs and reading birth stories to pass the time. I found this link very helpful as my doctor will want to induce labor here soon (tomorrow - Monday August 24). This link takes you to a Cervical Readiness Test where you just have to answer 5 questions to determine whether or not you are a good candidate for an induction that won't lead to a c-section.

http://www.childbirth.org/interactive/induction.html

I am not able to answer any of the questions on this because my doctor has not done a pelvic exam. He much prefers the ultrasound, which he looks at extensively every visit. Not my preference, but it is what he knows best.

8th Month Pregnancy Photos

Bebek is Baby in Turkish.
These photos were taken by my friend Lorie Shepsky. I don't remember feeling as tired as I looked that morning. I guess it is just my" 40 year old-8 months pregnant with 6 kids under 13 years old" look. Not so bad when I think of it that way! Today, August 15th, I am 40 weeks pregnant. I am hoping baby will be coming in next 4-5 days ...or sooner!

What is YOUR quess? Girl or Boy?

Why so many kids?

For those of you who know me personally, have you ever asked yourself "Why do they keep having children? It is so much work and so expensive. Don't they know what "causes" that?"

Many years ago, just before baby #2 arrived, God spoke to my heart about his love of children and how he would like to bless the world though godly people. This was quite scary for me, as I couldn't imagine myself with 10-12 children. If I let God have control over my fertility I may have so many children I'd be worn out. Or, maybe it would mean just two - and I'd have to be content with that as well. I was hoping for four. Could I give the "control" over to the Creator of the Universe? Yes, I could, and I have.


We are just about 4 weeks away from meeting our 7th child.I recently read a Bible devotional sent to me by Above Rubies editor Nancy Campbell that really blessed me. She reminded me of some great verses I'd like to share with you.

Genesis 1:28 "And God blessed them, and God said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth and subdue it..."

After the flood when it was just Noah and his family, God repeated the same command again, TWICE in Genesis 9:1,7, "And God blessed Noah and his sons, and said to them, "Be fruitful and multiply, and fill the earth..."

So, why does God want to fill the earth with people? Because "He wants them to fill the earth with His glory--His love, peace, truth and salvation." (Nancy Campbell)

This really is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to why our family has chosen to let God continue to bless us with children. Someday I'll blog more about it. Yes, it is a lot of work and I feel tired. But, these precious children are Eternal Beings! I am investing in Eternity!

If you would like to read more from Nancy Campbell and Above Rubies, go to www.AboveRubies.org

Having a baby in Istanbul?

If you are living in Istanbul and just happen to find my blog and are going to be having a baby, I highly suggest you take a childbirth class with Julia Steils at Full Circle Healing. I just attended part of her class and really enjoyed it! She has a lot of great learning activities as she helps you prepare to welcome your precious one into the world! http://fullcirclehealing.org/

Mike & Stacey

We are just a week away from celebrating 16 years!!!!

Oh, and me at the park, about 33 weeks